Another unreleased material from Tubby’s studio. Although dancehall was the thing back then this tune is going to another direction by drawing a great roots vibes.

Redman International Dancehall 1985-1989 press sheet by David Katz

Hugh ‘Redman’ James is one of the greatest Jamaican music producers of the late 1980s. Raised in a musical household in the west Kingston slum of Hannah Town, with his mother a sound system selector, Redman gained his initial schooling in the music business from none other than King Tubby, the legendary sound system owner and dub mixer that was responsible for voicing and mixing some of the greatest reggae of all time. After being immersed in sound system culture during his youth in the 1960s and 70s, Redman began sitting in on sessions at King Tubby’s studio, but migrated to Hartford, Connecticut in 1978 in search of steady employment. Returning to Jamaica a few years later, he established a popular sound system in Kingston and began producing music with King Tubby’s assistance in 1985, working with the Roots Radics during a time of great uncertainty in Jamaican music, as the new dancehall style came to prominence; early work featured Gregory Isaacs, Sugar Minott and Frankie Paul, as well as rising stars such as Little John and Horace Martin. Then, following the computerisation of dancehall, Redman began producing some of the most popular music of the day, crafting durable and complex rhythms with a broad team of players that included Steely and Clevie, augmented by members of the Browne Bunch and other players. Redman helped establish a number of total unknowns in this era, including Carl Meeks, Dave Bailey and Wayne Palmer, and became a serious contender for King Jammy’s crown. But the producer was ultimately frustrated by the dramatic changes to sweep Jamaican music in the early 1990s, and subsequently retreated from the music industry Redman International Dancehall 1985-1989 compiles the best work from his glory days, with half of the twelve vocal tracks coming complete with corresponding dub versions.

You might have seen Jammy playing this devastating sound killer in sessions lately, although before that this Nitty Gritty on Jammy’s ‘Tempo’ has only been heard on dubplates. No one knows why it never came out – is it because it was a counteraction to Tubby? Or tune that was the lethal weapon of Jammy? There is nothing we can do but imagine those pictures when listening to the intense energy and impact of this tune.

Recorded in 1985, previously unreleased Tubby's early digital super killer recorded from master tape.

Originally started as The Renegades onto The Classics, one of the most prominent vocal groups, Wailing Souls have been keeping it authentic since the 60’s. Although they did not record that many at the digital dancehall era this one has been well received since day. Having both roots and dancehall elements is one of the key factors of King Jammy’s sound and this one remains as a masterpiece with the sorrow vocals by Wailing Souls. On the flip an enormously rare Wackad – Cry For The Youth who only released a few tracks from the late 80’s and early 90’s. Previously this can only be heard as a part of the compilation “King Jammy: A Man & His Music vol.1”.

Little John praises King Jammys Super Power with his melancholy vocal and serious lyrics. Anthony Malvo and Collin Roach, who both recorded at King Jammys Recording Studio regularly, sings world renowned song 'We Are The World' in combination.

Another extremely rare take to the identical title released on Wild Apache that is known for being played by the mighty Jah Shaka at his sessions. Comparing to the other Stereo One tunes released around the same time, this one is really fantastic and luring, also complimented by refined deejaying Burro Banton. This one will stand as the definition of heavy weight ragga!